The Boeing A350 was cruising at an altitude of 30,000 feet with a speed of 560 miles per hour, slicing through the clouds as it made its way back to the Philippines. Inside the aircraft, Richard sat by the window, gazing at the endless expanse of blue sky, lost in thought about the question that he had posed to the president of the United States.

The question about the new world order when this nightmarish chaos ended with the death of Lin Feng. Would the world return to the way it is? Rebuilding and then continuing the system that has long been established? Or would it shift towards something new, perhaps even something Richard himself had envisioned? These thoughts lingered in his mind as he gazed out of the window.

Sara, busy with her laptop, glanced at Richard and noticed his distant expression. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on his. "You’re worried about what comes after, aren’t you?"

Richard turned to her, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Yeah, it’s hard not to think about it. The world won’t be the same after all this," he admitted.

Lisa, now awake, chimed in from her seat. "But we’ll make it better, right? I mean, after defeating Lin Feng, we have a chance to change things for good," she said with a hopeful tone.

Richard nodded. "That’s the plan. But it’s not just about defeating Lin Feng. It’s about what we do afterward, how we rebuild and learn from this catastrophe."

The conversation was interrupted as Graves approached them. "We’re about two hours from landing. The team is ready to move out as soon as we touch down," he reported and continued. "The position of Lin Feng, he had just landed in China, specifically in Beijing. Our intel suggests he’s summoning more forces."

"Relay that intel to the United States, but do tell them that do not engage unless we have given them the go signal. You know, they might be itching to press the button that would launch all their nuclear arsenal on China."

"Understood, sir," Graves said, walking away and grabbing his radio to carry out his duties.

"So back to the new world order, I think it’s time to change the social paradigm," Richard said.

Sara tilted her head to the side quizzically. "What kind of new world order are you talking about?"

"I’m thinking about the unification of humanity under one banner, and that is the Blackwatch. I want to make a global government that will unite everyone. This chaos has shown us how divided we are and how it led to our downfall," Richard explained, his tone reflecting his deep conviction.

"That will go against the interest of the United States. I don’t think they’ll let you do that easily," Sara pointed out, her tone realistic.

Richard nodded in agreement. "I know. It’s not going to be a simple task. We’ll face opposition, not just from the United States, but from other nations as well. But it’s a necessary step. We can’t go back to the old ways where national interests overshadowed global welfare. In fact, I have been thinking that we are not alone in this universe...Like...who gave me this system? A god? An alien?"

Sara looked at him, her eyebrows raised in intrigue. "That’s an interesting point. If there is indeed a higher power or an alien force behind this, it changes everything we know. It means we’re part of something much larger than just our planet."

"I really hate when the topic is starting to shift into existentialism. It reminds me of your existence."

Sara squeezed his hand gently and spoke. "Richard...what’s important is that I’m standing by your side."

Richard sighed, feeling the weight of their conversation. He turned his gaze back to the sky, a contemplative look in his eyes. "You’re right, Sara. And that’s all that matters right now. We need to focus on the present challenges."

***

Two hours later, Richard saw the land of the Philippines approaching from the window.

"We’re almost there," Richard said, breaking the silence.

Sara nodded, closing her laptop and stowing it away. "It’s time," she said, her tone determined.

As the Boeing A350 began its approach to New Clark International Airport, the pilot made contact with the air traffic control tower for landing clearance.

"New Clark Tower, this is Airbus A350, call sign Blackwatch One, requesting permission for landing," the pilot announced crisply over the radio.

"Blackwatch One, New Clark Tower. We copy. You are cleared for approach. Please proceed to runway 03. Wind is light from the east. Report when established on final," the air traffic controller responded.

The pilot adjusted the aircraft’s heading and began the descent. "New Clark Tower, Blackwatch One. Roger that. Descending to approach altitude, heading towards runway 03. Will report on final."

Inside the cockpit, the co-pilot monitored the instruments, confirming their altitude and speed as they prepared for landing.

"Blackwatch One, established on final for runway 03," the pilot reported a few minutes later, as the aircraft aligned with the runway, the lights of the airport becoming more distinct against the darkening sky.

"Blackwatch One, you are cleared to land on runway 03. Welcome to New Clark," came the response from the tower.

The pilot acknowledged the clearance and focused on the final approach. "Cleared to land, runway 03. Thank you, New Clark Tower."

The plane descended smoothly, the runway lights guiding them in. The landing gear was deployed, and the aircraft gently touched down on the tarmac, the sound of the tires making contact echoing through the cabin.

As the plane slowed down and taxied towards the terminal, the pilot made a final announcement to the passengers. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived."

Outside, a convoy of military vehicles raced toward the runway to meet them.

"Lisa, I want you to go to the New Clark City Camp immediately, and announce them about my arrival," Richard instructed.

"Okay, brother...oh and by the way brother, I have something to ask about."

"What is it?"

"It’s nearing Christmas soon, are we planning on celebrating it this year?" Lisa asked.

Richard paused, considering her question amid the chaos they were facing. "Yes, we’ll celebrate. Speaking of which, it’s almost two weeks." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Lisa smiled, visibly relieved by his response. "That’s great to hear. I’ll make sure to let everyone at the camp know."

***

Meanwhile, in China, Lin Feng has upgraded a new skill that allows him to see through one of his minions, the infected. An ordinary zombie that wandered near the camp of Blackwatch.

"I found you!"